Arseblog News – the Arsenal news site2016-12-09T14:50:21Zhttp://news.arseblog.com/feed/atom/WordPressArseblog News Houndhttp://news.arseblog.comhttp://news.arseblog.com/?p=383762016-12-09T14:50:21Z2016-12-09T14:50:21ZArsene Wenger says Lucas Perez has all the qualities needed to succeed at Arsenal but he still has to come to terms with the physicality of life in England. The Spaniard staked his claim for a starting berth against Stoke by netting a hat-trick for the Gunners in Tuesday’s 4-1 win over Basel, his first goals […]]]>

Arsene Wenger says Lucas Perez has all the qualities needed to succeed at Arsenal but he still has to come to terms with the physicality of life in England.

The Spaniard staked his claim for a starting berth against Stoke by netting a hat-trick for the Gunners in Tuesday’s 4-1 win over Basel, his first goals since a brace against Nottingham Forest in September.

Reflecting on the performance, Wenger noted that being clinical in front of goal will help Lucas build confidence after an injury-interrupted start to life at the Emirates.

“He needed that, because when you come with a big transfer to a club like Arsenal, it is never easy when you are not involved and then injured straight away,” Wenger told Arsenal Player.

“I believe he is a guy who has all the qualities you want, he is quick, he has good stamina, can repeat, has high energy, a very good finisher, so overall he has it all in the locker.

“In front of goal he is a killer, he has a short backlift and is a good finisher. You could see that on the third goal in Basel.

“He must adapt to the intensity of the fight in the duels in England. If he manages to do that, he will be a great asset for us.”

]]>7Arseblog News Houndhttp://news.arseblog.comhttp://news.arseblog.com/?p=383732016-12-09T13:42:12Z2016-12-09T13:42:12ZAlex Iwobi says Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez often take the mick out of him in training but it’s just their way of helping him improve. The partnerships struck up with Arsenal’s star duo have been an eye-catching part of the Nigerian international’s game and he admits he still has to pinch himself after a […]]]>

Alex Iwobi says Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez often take the mick out of him in training but it’s just their way of helping him improve.

The partnerships struck up with Arsenal’s star duo have been an eye-catching part of the Nigerian international’s game and he admits he still has to pinch himself after a whirlwind breakthrough year that has seen him progress from life in the academy to high-profile first team regular.

Speaking to the Guardian’s Amy Lawrence about his development, Iwobi noted:

“When I sit down and actually think about what I have done, to score in the Under-19s a year ago and then to score my first Champions League goal for the senior team is mad.

Tuesday’s close-range strike – Iwobi’s first of the season – was laid on a plate by a majestic assist by Ozil and there’s no doubt the World Cup winner’s efforts are appreciated by the respectful young pretender.

“I have to call him ‘my boss’ because he assisted me,” Iwobi explained.

“Alexis likes to take the mick out of me when I don’t score in training. They are funny. They will tell you what you need to work on but in a jokey kind of way.

“They do advise me, saying I just need to compose myself, relax and the chances will come. They try to help in the best way they can.”

All very nice to hear from a young lad who seems to have his head screwed on the right way.

__

It’s well worth checking out the rest of Amy’s interview with Alex. There’s lots of good stuff about coming to terms with fame, playing for Nigeria and an insight into the hard work that preceded his speedy ascent to the first team.

]]>1Arseblog News Houndhttp://news.arseblog.comhttp://news.arseblog.com/?p=383712016-12-09T12:44:21Z2016-12-09T12:44:21ZArsene Wenger says Arsenal’s ‘self-esteem’ stems from the club’s values and not the presence of one or two big name players, even if outsiders choose to judge them on the latter. The Gunners are currently trying to extend the contracts of star duo Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil, however, even though successful negotiations would likely generate […]]]>

Arsene Wenger says Arsenal’s ‘self-esteem’ stems from the club’s values and not the presence of one or two big name players, even if outsiders choose to judge them on the latter.

The Gunners are currently trying to extend the contracts of star duo Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil, however, even though successful negotiations would likely generate positive vibes in the press the boss insists that such matters won’t rock the foundations of the club in the eyes of those who work behind the scenes.

“Arsenal is a big club,” Wenger said on Thursday. “It is not one or two players who will make the difference to the club. The importance is that we are today in a financial position that is strong, that was not the case before.

“That means as well we are in a position where we can plan our future, and do what we want to do. What is important is always to take care of the values of the club, and the identity of the club, and not to depend too much on one or two players. The history of Arsenal is bigger than that.

“In every single club, at some stage, they have lost big players. Or they had big players without knowing. Or things like that happened everywhere. Every club is full of regrets and full of decisions. What matters is the globality of the decisions.

“The self-esteem is linked with the values that the club stands for,” the manager added.

“Of course, the self-esteem, or the identity that the press has of the club, is not exactly the same that you have inside the club.

“You could say the ‘prestige’, more than the self-esteem, is linked with the players. But I think it is more down to the consistency of the quality, or the way the team plays football.”

Obviously, he has a point. The club has survived the loss of star players before and will continue to do so in the future. That’s not to say that he doesn’t recognise the importance of keeping Ozil and Sanchez and the statement of intent it will send to other clubs and potential recruits in the future.

]]>13arsebloghttp://arseblog.comhttp://news.arseblog.com/?p=383662016-12-09T11:11:08Z2016-12-09T11:11:08ZWe all love Alexis, and here at Arseblog News we love dogs because dogs are the best. Alexis has dogs, and he loves his dogs, and that makes us love Alexis even more. Here is talking to the official website about how much he loves his dogs. Dogs are so great. Here’s my dog responding […]]]>

We all love Alexis, and here at Arseblog News we love dogs because dogs are the best.

Alexis has dogs, and he loves his dogs, and that makes us love Alexis even more. Here is talking to the official website about how much he loves his dogs.

Dogs are so great.

Here’s my dog responding when I make a sort of a howling sound. Feel free to share your own dog clips and pics in the comments, make this the doggiest post ever.

]]>38arsebloghttp://arseblog.comhttp://news.arseblog.com/?p=383572016-12-09T10:48:34Z2016-12-09T10:15:57ZArsene Wenger says that as well as Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez, the club are working on contract extensions for a number of first team players. Some of them are because time is ticking on their contracts, like the star duo, but for others there are options which can activated by the club if they […]]]>

Arsene Wenger says that as well as Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez, the club are working on contract extensions for a number of first team players.

Some of them are because time is ticking on their contracts, like the star duo, but for others there are options which can activated by the club if they choose.

The Arsenal manager is keen proponent of squad stability, and we’re now at a stage when decisions have to be made.

“We work as well on Giroud and on many players,” he said. “There are six or seven cases at the moment but that is the usual case, it is every year like that.

“We have started talking to Oxlade-Chamberlain, we’ve started with Santi as well and will certainly extend with him. We will work with Giroud as well and on many players.

“That explains to you why we have a lot of work to do, but you are only interested in two cases.”

So, what is the lay of the land, and which players are approaching the point where contracts need to be sorted out?

Contract situations

Santi Cazorla – contract expires in 2017, Arsenal have an option to extend for one year which Wenger says they will activate

Per Mertesacker – contract expires in 2017, Arsenal have an option to extend for one year provided they inform the player by the end of January, at which point it becomes a mutual decision.

Yaya Sanogo – contract expires in 2017

Mesut Ozil – contract expires in 2018

Alexis Sanchez – contract expires in 2018

Olivier Giroud – contract expires in 2018

Jack Wilshere – contract expires in 2018

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – contract expires in 2018

Kieran Gibbs – contract expires in 2018

Carl Jenkinson – contract expires in 2018

Wojciech Szczesny – contract expires in 2018

Mathieu Debuchy – contract expires in 2018

So, plenty of work to do to get those players into the Commemorative Rosicky Contract Extension Dungeon.

Commemorative Rosicky Contract Extension Dungeon

Over to you, Ivan and Dick, our intrepid negotiating duo.

Check out this week’s Arsecast

]]>25arsebloghttp://arseblog.comhttp://news.arseblog.com/?p=383582016-12-09T09:20:46Z2016-12-09T09:20:46ZLast week it was revealed that Dan Crowley’s loan to Oxford United had been terminated by the League One club. Despite the fact he’d played quite regularly, and scored three goals, it seems there were issues with his attitude. Now, via our youth correspondent Jeorge Bird, comes news that the 19 year old has gone […]]]>

Meanwhile, Tarifi Moore is currently on a season long loan with Utrecht. Let’s hope some time away in another country can help Crowley, regarded as one of the most talented young prospects at the club, get himself back on track.

Fun fact: Former Gunner Marc Overmars played for, and became a board member, of Go Ahead Eagles.

]]>12arsebloghttp://arseblog.comhttp://news.arseblog.com/?p=383552016-12-09T10:32:23Z2016-12-08T21:04:42ZArsene Wenger says he’s dubious that proposals aired this week for a 48 team World Cup are designed for the good of the game. FIFA have suggested that the 2026 tournament could be made of up sixteen groups of three teams, in what seems like one of their classic ‘How can we make more money?’ […]]]>

Arsene Wenger says he’s dubious that proposals aired this week for a 48 team World Cup are designed for the good of the game.

FIFA have suggested that the 2026 tournament could be made of up sixteen groups of three teams, in what seems like one of their classic ‘How can we make more money?’ decisions.

Asked about it on Thursday, the Arsenal manager seemed sceptical that the idea would benefit football in any way.

“Is that guided for popular reasons?,” he asked. “Or is that guided to improve the level of football?

“I’m a bit sceptical, but if somebody can convince me that it will make football better and that we can live with the time it will take to complete the World Cup, I am ready to listen.

“At the moment, I am not convinced. We have moved to 24 teams in Europe, that’s basically 50 per cent of the teams we have in Europe.

“I can’t see that being a huge improvement on the quality of the game. But 48 teams, we have about 300 teams in the world, the percentage looks that it could be accepted.”

And Wenger was keen to see qualifying in Europe updated.

“The qualifying in Europe has to be changed already,” he said. “You look at the percentage of wins of the big countries in the qualifiers.

“They go to the big tournaments with 90 per cent wins and then the competition starts.

“The qualifiers are outdated, the way the competitions are organised now and we have to rethink the process because of the number of games the players play that have really no meaning.”

]]>21arsebloghttp://arseblog.comhttp://news.arseblog.com/?p=383532016-12-08T17:12:08Z2016-12-08T17:12:08ZArsenal’s third round FA Cup tie against Preston North end will take place on Saturday January 7th at Deepdale. The game will kick off at 5.30pm and will also be live on BT Sport 2. It comes in the middle of hectic festive period, with the Gunners facing Crystal Palace at home on Sunday January […]]]>

Arsenal’s third round FA Cup tie against Preston North end will take place on Saturday January 7th at Deepdale.

The game will kick off at 5.30pm and will also be live on BT Sport 2. It comes in the middle of hectic festive period, with the Gunners facing Crystal Palace at home on Sunday January 1st, and then Bournemouth away on Tuesday January 3rd.

If the game against Preston is drawn, the replay will be on Tuesday, January 17, 2017.

Apropos of nothing, here’s a Poorly Drawn Arsenal Tweet, just to flesh out this story a bit:

]]>16Arseblog News Houndhttp://news.arseblog.comhttp://news.arseblog.com/?p=383482016-12-08T13:33:48Z2016-12-08T12:58:13ZArsene Wenger says qualifying from the first knockout round of the Champions League for the first time in six year is yet another inconvenient fact that Arsenal have to overcome, no matter who they draw on Monday Tuesday’s 4-1 win in Basel, coupled with PSG’s slip up against Ludogorets, ensured the Gunners progressed as winners […]]]>

Arsene Wenger says qualifying from the first knockout round of the Champions League for the first time in six year is yet another inconvenient fact that Arsenal have to overcome, no matter who they draw on Monday

Tuesday’s 4-1 win in Basel, coupled with PSG’s slip up against Ludogorets, ensured the Gunners progressed as winners from Group A but could still be paired with holders Real Madrid, German champions Bayern Munich and Europa League holders Sevilla, amongst others.

Speaking on Thursday ahead of the Gunners Premier League encounter with Stoke City, the boss refused to cede ground in the mind games stakes by stressing his belief that his squad can beat any side in Europe.

“You look at the teams you can get, some look more prestigious, more difficult, and you would like me to say, ‘I do not want this or that’. But that will already put us in an inferior position if it happens.

“Yes, you can take Real Madrid as maybe a favourite to win, because they are the holders of the competition.

“But even against Real Madrid, we’ll have a chance to qualify and we’ll have to do the absolute maximum to achieve that.

“It’s another inconvenient fact for us that we haven’t qualified for the quarter-final for six years. That will be a huge challenge for my group but I’m sure we will relish that.”

The draw is due to take place at 11am on Monday meaning the boss will be out on the training pitches of London Colney. He admits he takes comfort from not having to pay attention to the goings on in Switzerland.

“I prefer to be on the pitch rather than being nervous in front of the television!

He added: “I don’t know who decides the luck but I haven’t found the way to speak to this person!”

If you’re worried about who we might draw, it’s best to look away now. The stats are not very pretty. That said, we did draw and beat Real on our way to the final in 2006…it would be lovely to do it again.

]]>59arsebloghttp://arseblog.comhttp://news.arseblog.com/?p=383382016-12-08T11:08:30Z2016-12-08T11:45:44ZArsene Wenger expanded once more on the contract situations of Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez his press conference today. Read all about it here. Aside from that stuff though, he was asked about the contribution the star duo have been making on the pitch this season, and he hailed the quality and professionalism of both, […]]]>

Arsene Wenger expanded once more on the contract situations of Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez his press conference today. Read all about it here.

Aside from that stuff though, he was asked about the contribution the star duo have been making on the pitch this season, and he hailed the quality and professionalism of both, saying that when they’re on the pitch there are no doubts about their commitment.

If he sounded a little jaded at having to talk contracts, Wenger was happy to discuss what the two record signings – who have 21 goals and 12 assists between them this season – have contributed to Arsenal’s campaign thus far.

“They’ve been hugely important,” he said. “You can talk a lot in a press conference but the most important thing is what the players do on the football pitch.

“The commitment of Sanchez and Ozil is absolutely total for the team’s benefit. I am very pleased with that.

“We are professional football people and people forget many times that the first quality of a professional guy is to give absolutely 100 per cent as long as he is somewhere,and not to project yourself on two years time.

“It’s about here and now. That’s what it means to be professional. Here and now. And fully committed to the cause, that’s what it’s all about.”

Pressed on why he thought the pair had been so prolific in the early part of the season, he said, “I would say that our chances created are cleaner and clearer and that’s why our finishing is better.

“We create good quality chances because we have a good team dynamic. That’s what we want to create at home, I feel away from home we play with freedom because we have a good level of confidence.

“At home we have to let go of the handbrake and play with full flow. Then we will score more goals.”

]]>16Arseblog News Houndhttp://news.arseblog.comhttp://news.arseblog.com/?p=383362016-12-08T10:15:41Z2016-12-08T10:12:53ZArsene Wenger says Arsenal are doing their utmost to persuade Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil to sign new contracts at the Emirates but he can’t offer assurances at the moment that deals will be done. Stressing that both players are fully committed to the Gunners the boss played up the fact that 18 months is […]]]>

Arsene Wenger says Arsenal are doing their utmost to persuade Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil to sign new contracts at the Emirates but he can’t offer assurances at the moment that deals will be done.

Stressing that both players are fully committed to the Gunners the boss played up the fact that 18 months is a long time in football and that negotiations have no impact on the duo or the wider dressing room. He also dismissed suggestions that Arsenal are willing to listen to offers for the players.

There were two main batches of questions on the subject of contract renewals in his Friday press conference, here’s what the boss said.

__

There’s a lot of uncertainty this week over the long-term futures of Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil, they both have 18 months left on their contracts…

It depends what you call long-term, 18 months is quite long in football, you know.

I hear what you say, but what assurances can you give to Arsenal fans right now?

None. They have 18 months contract and that they are completely committed to do well, as long as they are here.

And beyond that?

Beyond that, we’ll try to extend their contract. I cannot make a subject of that in every press conference because that’s a normal part of every renewal when you negotiate. The less you talk about it, the better it is.

Alexis Sanchez apparently has an offer for £400,000 a week to go to China. When you hear that kind of thing, do you believe it?

I believe it, yes. Why not? But why should you go to China today when you play in England?

You’ve said it’s not just about the money it’s about the other things and meeting the players needs…just how important is that side of things to players?

I believe we live in a world where the great players like Sanchez and Ozil earn a lot of money. They have the privilege to choose where they really want to play.

Will you have to break the current wage structure to keep them? And are you prepared to do that?

Look, like always we do the maximum we can for every single player.

Mesut Ozil apparently, if he isn’t prepared to take less money, the club would be willing to listen to offers. Is that true?

No. I don’t know where you find this. These players have 18 months contract and no matter what happens they will stay 18 months and hopefully much longer.

__

In the past when players have run their contracts down here into the final year – I’m thinking Robin van Persie – you decided to sell them. Is that not going to happen with Ozil and Sanchez?

I’m not the only one who can decide that, contract negotiations, in this case are between two parties. On my side, the best position is to achieve it earlier.

But if you get to next summer and there’s no agreement, are you saying you wouldn’t sell either of them?

I told you that these players will stay for at least 18 months. I cannot repeat always the same things. At some stage you have as well to accept that negotiations are private and secret and we do not always have to come out and explain every day what we do in football negotiations. We are professional people, we work until the last day of our contracts with full commitment.

]]>70arsebloghttp://arseblog.comhttp://news.arseblog.com/?p=383332016-12-08T09:26:12Z2016-12-08T09:26:12ZArsene Wenger has provided the latest team news update ahead of Saturday’s Premier League fixture with Stoke City. The Gunners come into this one on the back of two thumping wins, scoring 9 goals against West Ham and Basel, and those games were a showcase of the squad’s strength in depth as numerous changes were […]]]>

Arsene Wenger has provided the latest team news update ahead of Saturday’s Premier League fixture with Stoke City.

The Gunners come into this one on the back of two thumping wins, scoring 9 goals against West Ham and Basel, and those games were a showcase of the squad’s strength in depth as numerous changes were made between the two games.

After the midweek game, there are no new injuries to contend with, and there was perhaps some good news with Hector Bellerin in contention for a return after his ankle injury.

“Coming back into the squad we have Coquelin who was suspended, and maybe Bellerin who has a fitness test today,” said Wenger.

Asked about Danny Welbeck and Per Mertesacker, he continued, “They are recovering well, but they are a few weeks away to join in again.”

Santi Cazorla, meanwhile, underwent surgery on his ankle and the Spanish international described the operation as ‘perfect’.

Questioned on how he described it, the Arsenal manager said, “For me it’s to say any surgery is perfect, but you can say it was needed an it went well.

“After you have to see how he recovers. I’m positive he will recovery very quickly, but once you open your body at top level sport it means that it’s two months before you can play again.”

]]>44arsebloghttp://arseblog.comhttp://news.arseblog.com/?p=383302016-12-07T21:42:27Z2016-12-07T21:42:27ZThe group stages of the Champions League are now done and dusted. Arsenal, of course, finished top of Group A after the 4-1 win over FC Basel. The draw for the knockout stages takes place on Monday morning after a load of interminable, tedious, backslapping rubbish from that baldy geebag, but the big question is: […]]]>

The group stages of the Champions League are now done and dusted. Arsenal, of course, finished top of Group A after the 4-1 win over FC Basel.

The draw for the knockout stages takes place on Monday morning after a load of interminable, tedious, backslapping rubbish from that baldy geebag, but the big question is: Who can Arsenal draw for the first knock-out round?

As we’ve finished top, we can only be drawn against a team that finished second. Nor can we drawn against a team from our own country, so Man City and Leicester are ruled out, as are Sp*rs – mostly because they’re going to be in the Europa League. Hahaha.

Enjoy Wembley there fellas.

So, it’s one of:

Benfica

Real Madrid

Bayer Leverkeusen

Porto

Sevilla

Bayern Munich

Please not Bayern, it’d just be so boring playing the again. You’d rather not play Real Madrid, even if they’re not the strongest Real Madrid you’ve ever seen.

]]>857amkickoffhttp://7amkickoff.comhttp://news.arseblog.com/?p=383272016-12-07T15:36:29Z2016-12-07T15:36:29ZIn August of 2011 Cesc Fabregas demanded to be traded to Barcelona and when Arsenal granted his wish, he took with him Arsenal’s offensive and defensive firepower. No place was this loss in quality as obvious as in Arsenal’s Champions League campaigns between 2011 to 2016. Just looking at shots per game created and conceded […]]]>

In August of 2011 Cesc Fabregas demanded to be traded to Barcelona and when Arsenal granted his wish, he took with him Arsenal’s offensive and defensive firepower. No place was this loss in quality as obvious as in Arsenal’s Champions League campaigns between 2011 to 2016.

Just looking at shots per game created and conceded in Champions League Group Stages shows us a stark reminder of how much Arsenal dropped in the years after Cesc slithered off to Barcelona.

Arsenal’s offensive nadir was 2012-2014 when the Gunners finished two consecutive seasons as the 31st worst team in the Champions League group stages in terms of shots created. That’s 31st of 32 teams. If you’re tempted to think Arsenal had a tough group, 2012/13 saw Arsenal paired with Shalke04, Montpelier, and Olympiakos. 2013/14 was a much more difficult group with Napoli, Marseille, and Borussia Dortmund which helps to explain why Arsenal have a low shots per game creation record but… if the groups were that tough, we should see Napoli and Borussia Dortmund struggling to create shots as well, but all three teams finished significantly above Arsenal, Borussia created 16 shots per game, 4th best in the group stages, Napoli created 12.8 shots per game, and even Marseille created 10.2 shots per game, all better than Arsenal’s rather poor 8.7.

But incredibly, Arsenal managed to get through all of those group stages and go on to get beaten in the next round by top quality opponents. Twice Arsenal faced Bayern Munich, twice Barcelona, and once Monaco.

By topping the group, Arsenal have, for the first time in 5 years, given themselves an improved chance to face beatable teams. Along with Arsenal’s improved offense and defense, finally getting back to pre-Cesc levels, Arsenal have a good chance of advancing to the quarter finals for the first time since 2010 (where Arsenal lost to Barcelona…).

Interestingly, Arsenal have the same goal difference (+12) as they did when they last got to the quarter finals. This is the best goal difference we have had since 2010.

Game Stats v. Basel

Funny fact… I thought Gibbs was going to get credit for the assist for Perez’ third goal but his pass was deflected by Alexis and so the Chilean got the assist. His pass was intended for Perez, whether it would have made it to him or not is a question. I also don’t think Alexis meant to make that pass, it actually looked like a miss control. But the important fact here is that basically any last pass, or last touch, that results in a goal is usually given as an assist.

Another interesting note on Gibbs’ game: he only had two interceptions all game but one of them led to the Perez third goal.

Also, for Gibbs’ only actual assist of the game, it was an Alexis pass which set up the assist, something that Alexis did twice in this game, once for the opening goal and once for Arsenal’s fourth goal. You will sometimes hear this pass called a “pre-assist” or a “hockey assist”. Özil had one too, his pass to Gibbs set up the shot which was deflected into Perez’ path. And technically Gibbs has a pre-assist for the third goal described above. I don’t track pre-assists but I know that many of you do, especially if you play fantasy football.

I counted 38 passes in the build up to the second Arsenal goal. I had to count manually and I may be wrong there. This whole build-up was started by Granit Xhaka intercepting the ball and then Arsenal start passing the ball around and building up play. This (plus other stats) runs counter to some match reports which tried to paint Arsenal as a counter attacking team. Arsenal dominated possession 59-41. Arsenal also dominated interceptions (20-15) and tackles (30-27). Basel did take more shots than Arsenal (15-12) but the Gunners were more efficient getting 7 shots on target to Basel’s 5. Basel also needed set plays to generate their shot superiority, taking shots from 6 set plays compared to Arsenal’s 2.

I initially wanted to see what Ramsey and Xhaka’s numbers looked like together but Xhaka played the full 90 while Ramsey was taken off at the 70th minute. Together they did combine to go 6/10 tackles, with each player winning 3 tackles. Xhaka led all players in passes (104/111), ball recoveries (14), Interceptions (4, tied with Koscielny), and fouls committed (4). Interestingly, his brother Taulant led all players in getting fouled with 4. I can’t actually see who Xhaka fouled. It would be funny if he was just kicking his brother all over the pitch.

That’s all for today, sorry this was late but I have a real job and a real child to take care of. Plus beer to drink. Sometimes I can’t get to see the match live and that throws a wrench into everything.

@7amkickoff

Sources: Whoscored.com (Champions League), 442 Stats Zone App

Qq

]]>16arsebloghttp://arseblog.comhttp://news.arseblog.com/?p=383202016-12-07T10:34:22Z2016-12-07T11:45:13ZFormer Gunner Charlie Nicholas says that Arsenal the squad depth and quality to win the Premier League and go further in Europe, but it’s down to the players to prove it. The Gunners blew FC Basel away 4-1 last night, and showcased the strength of the squad by fielding a team with 6 changes from […]]]>

Former Gunner Charlie Nicholas says that Arsenal the squad depth and quality to win the Premier League and go further in Europe, but it’s down to the players to prove it.

The Gunners blew FC Basel away 4-1 last night, and showcased the strength of the squad by fielding a team with 6 changes from the one that beat West Ham 5-1.

“There are no excuses for Arsenal anymore,” he said on Sky Sports News. “You have the money, you have the capacity and you have the quality.

“It’s up to them to prove it and not just Arsene standing up in his loyal chair and saying I believe in these guys.

“They have to prove it. I just feel this competitive edge with Ramsey, Walcott, Chamberlain all fighting for positions.

“It’s something new, this hunger, this desire they must focus on, this togetherness, it’s becoming a reality for me.”

Watch his full comments below.

]]>58Arseblog News Houndhttp://news.arseblog.comhttp://news.arseblog.com/?p=383192016-12-07T11:24:19Z2016-12-07T11:23:05ZGranit Xhaka says life at Arsenal is ‘good’, ‘nice’ and ‘fun’…three adjectives we’d like to think we’d use* if we were ever to pull on the red and white at the Emirates. The Swiss has featured 18 times for the Gunners so far this season, scored three goals and twice played against his brother, Taulant, in […]]]>

Granit Xhaka says life at Arsenal is ‘good’, ‘nice’ and ‘fun’…three adjectives we’d like to think we’d use* if we were ever to pull on the red and white at the Emirates.

The Swiss has featured 18 times for the Gunners so far this season, scored three goals and twice played against his brother, Taulant, in two victories over former club Basel.

Speaking after the latest win, a 4-1 drubbing at St Jakob Park that helped Arsene Wenger’s men to top spot in Champions League Group A, Xhaka was in a chipper mood.

“It’s a good experience, a nice experience,” he told Arsenal Player of his time as a Gunner.

“Arsenal is a very big club and it’s so much fun to play alongside my team-mates. I’m really happy here.

“I came home after five years. Here at Basel is where I made my first professional steps, I came up and grew up through the FC Basel school.

“Tonight I played against my brother for the third time [too], and it’s always special to play against him.”

Elsewhere, Alex Iwobi admits he’s pleased to break his scoring duck this season after netting Arsenal’s fourth against Basel.

“It’s been a good night. I wouldn’t say my goal was a cracker but it was a great assist by Mesut.

“It’s felt like a long time coming and it’s always a great feeling to score a goal, but I’m just pleased with the team¹s performance and that we were able to finish top of the group.

“Having a second leg at home is a big advantage [in the knockout stage] and it gives you the belief that you can do it. However, the Champions League is full of top teams.”

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*for the record Arseblog News would also be tempted to pepper interviews with ‘super’, ‘smashing’, ‘lush’ and ‘tidy’. If that sounds tempting Arsene, give us a call.

]]>12arsebloghttp://arseblog.comhttp://news.arseblog.com/?p=382882016-12-07T10:34:44Z2016-12-07T10:34:44ZDespite starting just twice this season, Olivier Giroud has no intentions of looking elsewhere for football this season. Inevitably that leads to speculation about possible transfer moves, but according to the French international’s agent, he’s going nowhere. “I’ve never been in contact with Italian clubs,” said Michael Manuello. “Olivier is very happy at Arsenal. He’s […]]]>

Despite starting just twice this season, Olivier Giroud has no intentions of looking elsewhere for football this season.

Inevitably that leads to speculation about possible transfer moves, but according to the French international’s agent, he’s going nowhere.

“I’ve never been in contact with Italian clubs,” said Michael Manuello. “Olivier is very happy at Arsenal. He’s going to finish his season here. Nothing is possible in January for Olivier.

“He has no intention of leaving this winter.”

And although he has just started two games, the 30 year old has 5 goals to his name, showing how valuable he can be.

Having a squad that can contribute throughout the season is going to be crucial, and he’ll play a big part in that as this campaign goes on.

]]>20arsebloghttp://arseblog.comhttp://news.arseblog.com/?p=383132016-12-07T09:08:56Z2016-12-07T09:55:06ZWith a 47 minute hat-trick last night in his first European start for the club, Lucas Perez scored as many goal as Sp*rs have in this season’s Champions League. The 28 year old was drafted in to play on the right hand side, and showed he’s something of a fox in the box, on hand […]]]>

With a 47 minute hat-trick last night in his first European start for the club, Lucas Perez scored as many goal as Sp*rs have in this season’s Champions League.

The 28 year old was drafted in to play on the right hand side, and showed he’s something of a fox in the box, on hand to snap up opportunities when they arise.

He scored twice in the opening 16 minutes, before bagging his hat-trick 2 minutes after half-time. It was a selection decision which worked out well for Arsene Wenger, who was pleased with the Spaniard’s impact.

“The first two looked like quite easy goals, and were what we call tap-ins in England, but they were created by the team and you have to be there to finish,” he said.

“The first goal is a real striker’s goal. He scored more than 20 goals in Spain last season and he has shown why. He has an eye for goal and good movement in the box, which is why he scores.”

It means that in just 5 starts and 3 substitute appearances he’s got 5 goals and 3 assists. Let’s hope he starts another 500 games with 340 as sub.

]]>25arsebloghttp://arseblog.comhttp://news.arseblog.com/?p=383162016-12-07T08:49:22Z2016-12-07T08:49:22ZLucas Perez got his first ever Arsenal hat-trick last night, in the 4-1 win over FC Basel (report and goal clips here). It was a fantastic piece of team play from the Gunners. Rob Holding picks up the ball at 13’36, from there Arsenal make 33 passes, and the only outfield player not to touch […]]]>

It was a fantastic piece of team play from the Gunners. Rob Holding picks up the ball at 13’36, from there Arsenal make 33 passes, and the only outfield player not to touch the ball is Gabriel.

The ball hits the net at 15’14, one minute and thirty-eight seconds later, without a single touch from a Basel player. Enjoy.

]]>15arsebloghttp://arseblog.comhttp://news.arseblog.com/?p=383052016-12-06T23:03:37Z2016-12-07T02:00:57ZHere’s Arsene Wenger’s post-match interview with BT Sport after the 4-1 win over Basel in the Champions League.]]>

Here’s Arsene Wenger’s post-match interview with BT Sport after the 4-1 win over Basel in the Champions League.